THE threat of adverse weather conditions did not affect pony riders in the Connaught Region, as they battled it out last Saturday at the Connaught Pony Show Jumping Championships, held at Tubberbride Stables in Co Sligo. Despite rainfall in the first few classes, it cleared later in the afternoon for top show jumping action where league winners were crowned.

Taking the Newcomer League was Tara McCormack and Derrymore Lou Lou, while Darragh Maye and Lightning Strikes Twice was the Connaught Newcomer Champion. The 128cm Novice league winner was Saoirse Leonard (Kyneton Snipe), while the 138cm Novice winner was Neasa Quinn (Newtown Joey) and the 148cm Novice league winner was Sheena Cawley (Kerry Buddy). The 128cm Novice Champion was Ben Hawkins (Rocket Pocket).

The Connaught U10 Champion was Joscelyn Leonard with Cefngelli Sherry, while Jack Rush and Hoge Linthorst Ali B were crowned the 128cm Open Champions. Thomas Tully and Elizabeths Girl claimed the 138cm Novice Championship title, while Edward Walsh and Burnal Skipper took the 138cm Open Championship. Walsh added another title to his record when taking the 148cm Novice Championship with Vivants Pleasure, while Ronan Gilvarrry was crowned the 148cm Open Champion.

Winner of the 128 U10 85cm Equillence Connaught Show jumping Pony League was Joscelyn Leonard and Cefngelli Sherry, clear in 27.28. This combination went on to take the overall League title. Taking the runner-up spot was Cian Murtagh and Little Miss Lightning with a clear in 28.03.

Taking the win in the 128cm 90cm was Jack Rush and Hoge Linthorst Ali B with a clear in 24.38. A clear from Charlie O’Hara and An Sionnach Rua in 24.53 saw them take second, while in third was Sophie Hawkshaw and Icy De Nooe (25.11). Hawkshaw had done enough to claim the 128cm 90cm Premium Show jumps Connaught Pony League title.

In the 1m 128cm John and Philip Furey-sponsored final, it was Daniel McKeon Devaney and Trasnagh Sandstorm who took the win with a clear in 34.47. He was chased home by Jack Rush and Hoge Linthorst Ali B. They kept all the poles in place in 34.87. Last of the double clears in 54.87 and taking third was Thomas Tully and Almar Chubba Chubba.

Winner of the 138cm 1m Silver Jumper Roxboro Stud Connaught Pony League Final was Edward Walsh Jnr and Burnal Skipper, when fastest of three double clears in 29.53. He was chased home by Sarah Egan and Rebel Gealach, who stopped the clock in 30.87. Daniel McKeon and the six-year-old She’s A Pleasure accounted for third (31.24). Winner of the overall Roxboro League was Amber Tobin and Harry Finn.

Gilvarry prances to win

A total of 31 combinations lined out for the 148cm 1.10m Connaught Show jumping Pony League Final, which was supported by Carraghy Stables and Gilvarry family. Claiming this win was Ronan Gilvarry and Dexter Leam Prancer with a clear round in 34.49. Not content with the win, Gilvarry also took the runner-up spot with Romaround (34.67). Third place was filled by Zara Sharkey and Jubel De Nev, clear in 34.70. Taking the HCI Connaught Open league was Joshua Broderick and Greenfield Star.

Leading the victory lap in the Hidden Acres Farm and PJ Costello 148cm 1.20m class was Ella Cash and Interniki, when fastest of three double clears in 30.27 seconds. Just over a second separated the next placing, as Edward Walsh Jnr and Destiny Of A Woman clocked 31.68. Ronan Gilvarry and Romaround were back in the ribbons taking third place when stopping the clock in 36.14.

Ronan Gilvarry and Romaround were crowned 148cm Open Champions, while Ella Cash and Interniki claimed the Wellington Training Bursary after winning the 148cm 1.20m class.

In the 138cm 1.10m class, which was supported by Paul Tarpey, just two double clears were delivered. Fastest of those and taking the win was Lauren McGrath and Beechmount Pippa. Daniel McKeon and the six-year-old She’s A Pleasure came home in 47.73 for second place. Ella Cash and JSB Hidden Oilean were fastest of the four-faulters in 34.30 for third.

In the Newcomers 60cm, half the field delivered clears to share the win, while in the 128cm 70cm, all but one of the starters delivered clears. In the 128cm 80cm, 10 combinations shared the win, while in the 138cm 80cm, 12 combinations shared first place. The 138cm 90cm saw 17 go to post and, from those, 14 delivered clears.